Studies for St. Joseph, ca. 1687

ArtistCarlo Maratti, Camerano 1625–1713 Roma

Red chalk and black chalk on blue paper, heightened with white

Sheet dimensions28,5 × 42,7 cm

Status

not on display

About the workThis study illustrates how small details in the depiction of figures can be crucial to understanding the meaning of an image. These precisely rendered hands seem to gently hold a precious object. The work is in fact a preparatory sketch for a painting of the Holy Family: these are drawings of Joseph’s hands as he clasps the body of the infant Jesus. The foster father’s love for the Son of God, brought into the world by Mary, is expressed by the position of his hands.

AccessionCollection of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf

Provenance[…]; seit 1932 Dauerleihgabe der Kunstakademie Düsseldorf

Inventory numberKA (FP) 13907r

Studies (visual works)
Anatomy
Baroque

Contact

sammlung@kunstpalast.de

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https://sammlung.kunstpalast.de/en/objects/123764/studien-zum-hl-joseph

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